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A Firm Platform
I saw a company who stood well guarded and firm, giving no
countenance to those who would unsettle the established faith of
the body. God looked upon them with approbation. I was shown
three steps—the first, second, and third angels’ messages. Said my
accompanying angel, “Woe to him who shall move a block or stir a
pin of these messages. The true understanding of these messages is
of vital importance. The destiny of souls hangs upon the manner in
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which they are received.” I was again brought down through these
messages, and saw how dearly the people of God had purchased
their experience. It had been obtained through much suffering and
severe conflict. God had led them along step by step, until He had
placed them upon a solid, immovable platform. I saw individuals
approach the platform and examine the foundation. Some with
rejoicing immediately stepped upon it. Others commenced to find
fault with the foundation. They wished improvements made, and
then the platform would be more perfect, and the people much
happier. Some stepped off the platform to examine it and declared
it to be laid wrong. But I saw that nearly all stood firm upon the
platform and exhorted those who had stepped off to cease their
complaints; for God was the Master Builder, and they were fighting
against Him. They recounted the wonderful work of God, which
had led them to the firm platform, and in union raised their eyes
to heaven and with a loud voice glorified God. This affected some
of those who had complained and left the platform, and they with
humble look again stepped upon it.
I was pointed back to the proclamation of the first advent of
Christ. John was sent in the spirit and power of Elijah to prepare the
way of Jesus. Those who rejected the testimony of John were not
benefited by the teachings of Jesus. Their opposition to the message
that foretold His coming placed them where they could not readily
receive the strongest evidence that He was the Messiah. Satan led on
those who rejected the message of John to go still farther, to reject
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